Panera Bread’s ongoing menu overhaul continued on Wednesday with the addition of two new sandwiches and a line of avocado toasts, as well as the return of some once-popular bagels.
The St. Louis-based bakery-café chain in April launched what the company has described as the biggest menu transformation in its history, with nine new dishes and updates to 12 classics. The focus was shifted to core offerings of sandwiches, salads, soups and mac and cheese, while categories like flatbreads and bowls were eliminated. The controversial Charged Lemonade energy drinks have also been phased out.
Panera COO Debbie Roberts in a recent interview said the menu rollout has been executed flawlessly and so far is exceeding internal expectations. Team members say operations are simpler, and guest metrics indicate service is quicker and order accuracy has improved.
At the time, the company said the menu work would continue, and so it has. In June, breakfast offerings were tweaked with a line of CinnaScramble sandwiches made with cinnamon rolls in place of bread, and other sweet treats.
New this week are the Spicy Chicken Fiesta Sandwich (grilled chicken, white cheddar, peppers, cilantro, roasted corn and a creamy salsa verde spread on ciabatta, starting at $11.59) and the Kickin’ Grilled Cheese (a limited-time offer that combines the creamy salsa verde with American and white cheddar cheeses on Classic White Miche bread, starting at $7.49).
The line of Avocado Toasts start at $3.49 and are offered on a base of Country Rustic Sourdough with chunky avocado spread and various toppings, like everything bagel seasoning, sea salt and black pepper; or tomatoes and garlic aioli.
And, in response to guest feedback over the past few months, the 2,182-unit chain is bringing back Sesame and Blueberry bagels—a move that will likely give hope to others who are missing menu items lost to the revamp.
Roberts said more menu changes are scheduled for this fall.
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